What does supersede mean?
Word: Supersede
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Supersede means to take over from something older, which is then no longer used.
Synonyms: displace
How do you spell supersede?
Syllables: su - per - sede
Tricky part: Most verbs with this ending sound use a c, as precede and concede do, so the s here catches nearly everyone. Learn this one on its own.
Watch out for: superceed, superseed, supersead
Memory tip: To supersede is to take over someone's seat, and seat begins with s.
Supersede in a sentence
Example 1: Tablets may one day supersede printed textbooks in many schools.
Example 2: This year's price list supersedes the one we sent you in January.
Example 3: Steam engines were gradually superseded by diesel and electric trains on Indian Railways.
Fun Fact
The sun-centred picture of the solar system set out by Copernicus in 1543 superseded the older Earth-centred model, though it took well over a century to win wide acceptance.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
suppersede
a) r
b) p
c) d
d) s
Show answer
b) p. The word starts with super, as in supermarket, not with the evening meal.
Mingle-Mangle
The jumbled letters in the sentence hide a word. Choose it.
Officials expect the electronic ticket to dueeeprss the printed kind on most suburban trains within five years.
a) supply
b) suppress
c) supervise
d) supersede
Show answer
d) supersede. Spot the three e's in the scramble and the other options fall away.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word supersede as used in the sentence:
The new timetable will supersede the one pinned on the notice board.
a) support
b) explain
c) copy
d) replace
Show answer
d) replace. The old timetable goes and the new one stands in its spot.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt wrongly. Choose its meaning:
1. supersede 2. predecesor 3. obsolete 4. successor
a) no longer used because something newer exists
b) a person who takes over a post from someone else
c) to push out an older thing and become the one in use
d) a person who held a post before the present holder
Show answer
d) a person who held a post before the present holder. Predecessor has a double s near the end, just like successor beside it.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If a new rule supersedes an old one, what happens to the old rule?
a) it applies only on Mondays
b) it is printed once more
c) it stops being followed
d) it becomes twice as strict
Show answer
c) it stops being followed
2. Which change is a case of one thing superseding another?
a) a shop opening an hour late
b) online maps ousting paper maps
c) a school adding one more bus
d) two trains sharing one platform
Show answer
b) online maps ousting paper maps
